Readers React: Disney’s threatened boycott of Georgia smells like McCarthyism

To the editor: Given that filmmakers vigorously defend their right to freedom of expression, Disney’s threat to punish financially the people of Georgia if and when their governor signs the Free Exercise Protection Act is confounding, to say the least. (“Kudos to Disney for taking on LGBT discrimination in Georgia,” editorial, March 25)

The same people who tell us it was wrong to blacklist artists because of their political philosophy now demand the same treatment for those whose religious beliefs are different when it comes to same-sex marriage.

If you believe authors and sculptors have the right to choose their subject matter, then how can you deny that freedom to photographers and bakers? Disney’s action and attitude smacks of McCarthyism.

John Tintle, Nipomo, Calif.

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To the editor: Another week, another parade of news reports on religion-rooted strife. To wit, a partial list:

The U. S. Supreme Court appears split over abiding faith-based objections to birth control coverage in health insurance plans. Various states keep passing laws allowing anti-gay discrimination based on religious beliefs. The University of California agonizes over discouraging anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist speech. Religious groups assert faith-based rationale for siding with one presidential candidate or the other. Islamic terrorist cells continue to threaten the secular Western world.

When will it ever end? Even on Easter Sunday, it’s hard not to recall the haunting lyrics of “Imagine,” John Lennon’s 1971 hit: “Imagine there’s no heaven … and no religion too. Imagine all the people, living life in peace.”

Kendra Strozyk, Cameron Park, Calif.

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